Building Stewardship with the Future Caretakers of Our Watersheds

Onekama, Michigan - On May 5, Sooper Yooper author Mark Newman presented an environmental program to the third, fourth, and fifth grade classes of Onekama Consolidated Schools.

Written to educate and entertain kids about the importance of protecting the Great Lakes, Newman’s message is simple: When it comes to the environment, everyone can be a super hero!

Newman’s visit was initiated by Portage Lake Watershed Forever (PLWF) Council vice-chair Mary Reed, who is also Onekama Township’s Invasive Species Committee chair.

“Kids can make a big difference in the future of this watershed,” said Reed. “We have a responsibility to make sure they understand what they can do to protect and maintain it.”

Each of the classes received a copy of Sooper Yooper from the Watershed Council. Sooper Yooper tells the story of young Billy Cooper and his charge to protect the Great Lakes.

“Mr. Newman wants to teach kids about taking care of our lakes,” commented Onekama third grade student Ella Acton. “Keeping the water healthy is our job, too.”

“This is a wonderful example of how schools can build stewardship with the future caretakers of our inland seas and watersheds,” said Terri McCarthy of the Wege Foundation that supported development of Sooper Yooper. “The third, fourth and fifth graders at Onekama Schools will carry the torch forward to let the world know that the Great Lakes and our waterways are among the most precious of all resources on this planet.”

In addition, PLWF Council is sponsoring an Environmental Art Contest for the students in these three grades. The student art competition with an environmental theme runs from May 6 to June 10, 2011, and aims to inspire kids to use their talents to ponder earth-related issues. All artwork submitted must be related to the natural world or ecological issues.

These works of art will be displayed at the Onekama Library during the summer and will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity and theme. The winners will be announced during Onekama Days at the Watershed Event Tent in the village park. There will be a $100 savings bond awarded as a first prize for the winners in each grade with a grand prize award of $250.